Abstract:
Objective: To assess the prevalence and severity of fibromyalgia in hospital-visiting patients. Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Islamabad, Pakistan, from July, 2018, to January, 2019, and comprised patients aged 18-75 years of either gender. Demographic information, comorbidities and previous medications were recorded for each patient. The modified American College of Rheumatology preliminary diagnostic criteria 2010-11 for fibromyalgia diagnosis. If diagnosed, the fibromyalgia impact questionnaire was administered to assess its severity. Data was analysed using SPSS 25. Results: Of the 750 hospital-visiting patients, fibromyalgia was diagnosed in 250(33.3%); 190(76%) of them being females (p<0.0001). Comorbidities, age and increased elevated body mass index were significantly associated with fibromyalgia. Severity was not influenced by comorbidities, marital status, education or economic status (p>0.05). Menarche at a later age and menstrual irregularity were associated with fibromyalgia severity (p<0.05). Conclusion: The hospital-based prevalence of fibromyalgia was found to be high, especially among females.
Page(s):
1357-1368
DOI:
DOI not available
Published:
Journal: Journal of Pakistan Medical Association, Volume: 71, Issue: 5, Year: 2021
Keywords:
prevalence
,
Pakistan
,
Fibromyalgia
,
Chronic widespread pain
,
Hospital setting